Serving in urban education has taught me so much! Among many other things, I've learned to treasure three gifts the most:

time

stories

nicknames

Sa'Yere gave me a flower. That may not seem like much, but the heat index at recess was around hundred. Most of the flowers were wilted. And yet, she took the time to find just the right one. She presented it to me with a rare blend of pride and humility.

After yelling at him to get down from the top of the swings, Justus came with his offering. He told me how he'd always been a climber. How he'd continued climbing even after breaking his arm, while still wearing the cast. We chatted about differences in the strengths of people, and how he might use his gift in a career. Justus thought being a mountain climber might be more fun than a telephone lineman. I thought I was blessed to have shared part of his story.

First he wrote "KeShawn" on his assignments. Then I noticed other students calling him "Kei Kei". Then it started showing up on his papers. I got bold and called him by his nickname in a brief private chat. Now, I'm blessed to have the privilege of calling him Kei Kei everyday in class. I've come to understand that if a student shares their family nickname with you, and allows you to use it, it's a tremendous mark of trust.

Maybe you're someone who is used to receiving expensive gifts. Maybe time, stories and names may seem rather paltry. In my world, they are costly and precious gifts. They are never given lightly, and they always demand a little part of the givers and great big trust. I can tell you, without reservation, their gifts are priceless!

Dear Reader, I pray you have loved ones to share trust and gifts with. I thank you for the gift of your time by stopping by for me to share my stories with you. What are the gifts that touch your heart the most?